Reds treat game as final

For us it is the grand final. Queensland Reds utility backline player James O’Connor made this comments ahead of their do or die clash against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua this Saturday.

The side arrived on Thursday afternoon and are fully aware of what is at stake, as both teams are vying for the quarter-finals spots in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“Everyone knows the Drua is a different beast at home and we have a tough task at hand,” he said.

O’Connor said that they were aware of the threat from the Nadi-based side as they had also toppled defending champion Crusaders earlier in the season as well.

“We played them earlier in the season as well which was a close game, and we are ready for a battle similar to that.

“Both of us need a win so for us, it is the grand final and we will play that way.

“We know they will come out firing but we have come here to get the job done.”

He said they respected the Drua and their potential to change the game completely.

“We are excited for what is to come. It is also my fist time in Fiji and looks like it will be a pretty good turnout, with the loud and wild crowd behind the Drua.”

The Reds are on 24 points while the Drua has 21 points after 13 games.

The match kicks-off at the HFC Bank Stadium at 4.35pm.